Does Jesus Care?

There is an old song that many churches no longer use, but its message is as timely today as when it was first written.

Composer Frank Graeff was born on December 19, 1860, in Tamaqua, PA. He became a Methodist minister. His bright outlook on life and his optimistic personality earned him the nickname “The Sunshine Minister.” He was known for his love of storytelling. Children and adults alike were drawn to his ministry. During his lifetime, he wrote about 200 hymns.

Like many Christians, Frank Graeff experienced spiritual struggles. During a particular rough time in his life he experienced physical problems, along with spiritual doubt and depression. Fortunately, he turned to the scriptures for answers and came upon a verse in I Peter.

“Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” (I Peter 5:7)

Not only did this verse help him through his rough time, but it also inspired him to write the song “Does Jesus Care?”

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained Too deeply for mirth and song;

As the burdens press, and the cares distress, And the way grows weary and long?

Does Jesus care when my way is dark With a nameless dread and fear?

As the daylight fades into deep nightshades, Does He care enough to be near?

Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed To resist some temptation strong;

When for my deep grief I find no relief, Tho’ my tears flow all the night long?

Does Jesus care when I’ve said goodbye To the dearest on earth to me?

And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

O yes, He cares; I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.

Reflections on Another Year Is Dawning

Another year is dawning! Dear Father, let it be In working or in waiting,

Another year with Thee; Another year of progress, Another year of praise,

Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, Of faithfulness and grace, Another year of gladness,

In the shining of Thy face; Another year of leaning Upon Thy loving breast,

Another year of trusting, Of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, Of witness for Thy love, Another year of training

For holier work above; Another year is dawning! Dear Father, let it be,

On earth, or else in heaven, Another year for Thee.

January has always been a time of reflection for me. As I think back over my past, I am amazed at what God has done in my life. Just like the poem “Footprints” when we look back over rough times in our lives we can see the hand of God and the places where He even carried us through.

Frances Havergal, the author of this hymn was a well known British hymn writer in the 1800’s. Not caring for the verses and sayings on greeting cards, she had a tradition of writing her own poems to send to her friends and family as greeting cards. Written near the end of 1873, she penned the words to this great hymn of our faith and sent it out as a special greeting card for the New Year of 1874.

As the old hymn states, as this year dawns, let us look forward to another year of service to God. Let us commit anew to following the Master, keeping our focus on Him and Him alone. As I reflect on over 30 years of ministry, I also look forward to future ministry until the Lord returns. As we look ahead to the year 2012, I pray that Christians everywhere will take the words of this hymn to heart as we pray: “Another year is dawning! Dear Father let it be, on earth or else in heaven another year for thee.”